Hampstead

Kenwood House entrance

Ford Madox Brown - Work - artchive.com

The Mount Hampstead

Keats House

Hampstead High Street Sign

Hampstead is an area located within the London Borough of Camden in London, England. Known for its intellectual, liberal, artistic, musical, and literary associations, Hampstead has one of the highest points in London, Hampstead Heath, and is notable for its expansive and hilly parkland. This area has some of the most expensive housing in the London area, or indeed anywhere in the world, with large houses often selling for tens of millions of pounds.

History

The history of Hampstead can be traced back to the 7th century. The name Hampstead is believed to derive from the Anglo-Saxon words ham and stede, meaning homestead. The area was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being part of the hundred of Ossulstone. It was historically a part of Middlesex until it was absorbed into London in the 20th century.

Throughout the 18th century, Hampstead became popular as a spa town due to the discovery of chalybeate waters (iron-rich mineral waters), which led to an influx of visitors seeking the health benefits of the waters and the fresh air away from the city. Many fine houses were built during this period to accommodate the visitors.

Geography

Hampstead is known for its hilly terrain, offering stunning views over London. The area is dominated by Hampstead Heath, a large, ancient London park covering 320 hectares. This public space is rich in wildlife, sports facilities, and swimming ponds, and it includes Parliament Hill, from which one can enjoy one of the best views of the London skyline.

Culture

Hampstead has a long tradition of attracting intellectuals, artists, and writers. The area is home to the Hampstead Theatre, which specializes in new writing, and the Everyman Cinema, one of London's original independent cinemas. The former homes of famous residents such as the poet John Keats, painter John Constable, and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud have been turned into museums.

Architecture

The architecture of Hampstead includes a wide variety of styles, from the grand Georgian houses of the 18th century to the modernist 20th-century designs found in the Hampstead Garden Suburb. The area also boasts some of the most expensive residential properties in the world, including the notable Bishop's Avenue.

Education

Hampstead is home to a number of prestigious schools, including Hampstead School, a comprehensive school, and several private preparatory and senior schools. The area also has a strong association with higher education, with many of its residents being academics or students at nearby universities.

Transport

Public transport in Hampstead is primarily served by Hampstead and Belsize Park stations on the London Underground's Northern Line, as well as several bus routes. Despite its hilly geography, the area is also popular with cyclists.

Notable Residents

Over the years, Hampstead has been home to a number of notable residents, including writers, actors, musicians, and politicians. This has contributed to its reputation as a cultural and intellectual hub within London.